Altar 38_leaving you bereft

eing perceptive, Esther led the styling team out, leaving the spacious room to just Julian and Willow.

 Julian turned Willow around, his palm pressing gently against her cheek. He traced over her skin with slow, deliberate strokes. For the first time, he took the time to truly study her face. 

 “Are you cold?”

 His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a quiet intensity.

 Willow smiled faintly. “I’ll wear a coat outside.” 

 Julian didn’t let her go. His hands wandered to her waist, feeling the fabric against her skin.

 She looked beautiful tonight; so beautiful that he didn’t want her stepping out of this room, especially not in front of other men.

 It had been a week since she returned, yet they hadn’t truly be one. He had been holding back for too long, and now, the restraint was wearing thin.

 But Willow refused. She tilted her head back and gently closed her eyes. “You’ll ruin the dress.” 

 Julian exhaled slowly, frustration flickering across his features.

 Without warning, he caught her wrist and pressed her against the cool mirror. His lips captured hers in a fierce, </bmanding kiss.

 At first, Willow resisted. But Julian’s dominance was overwhelming. Soon, she was melting against him. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, her head tilting back as she surrendered to the deep, lingering kiss. 

 Just as her mind began to blur, something cold slipped onto her finger.

 Willow panted softly as she lowered her head. The wedding ring on her ring finger shimmered brilliantly under the crystal chandelier.

 Julian rested his forehead against hers, his gaze deep and intense. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “Just tonight. I can’t hold back anymore.” 

 The night wind howled.

 Timothy’s mansion was breathtaking under the night sky, exuding grandeur and elegance. Luxury cars lined the courtyard, and elegantly dressed guests moved gracefully through the gardens.

 A sleek ck limousine slowly pulled into the Chapman residence. When the car came to a stop, Julian stepped out and gently took Willow’s hand.

 This time, her status in high society was different.

 She owned 5% of Neb Group’s shares, and Julian treated her with the utmost respect. She was no longer the woman who looked up to him. She hadplete independence now.

 And tonight, all eyes were on her.

 Julian, as always, was meticulous in his appearance. He wore a crisp white shirt beneath a custom–tailored ck suit. Every detail highlighted his tall, sculpted frame. His strikingly handsome face drew more than a few admiring nces.

 With Willow’s hand in his, he moved effortlessly through the sea of elegantly dressed guests, heading straight for Timothy.

 The two of them, together, shattered any lingering rumors of discord. They looked nothing short of perfect.

 On the other side of the banquet hall, Timothy and Heather were busy entertaining guests.

 Nearby, Charlie and Nancy were attempting to introduce Catherine to the influential couple. After all, Charlie and Heather were old acquaintances.

 Catherine had done her research.

 She knew that Timothy and Heather had no children of their own. If she could win their favor, she might just secure her ce as the princess of Aurelia Group.

 And if that happened, then her path to Julian would be effortless.

 With that thought in mind, she put on a carefully rehearsed sweet smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Chapman. I’m Catherine Burke, Charlie Burke’s daughter. 

 Heather barely spared her a nce. “My apologies, but I’m not particrly familiar with Mr. Burke.” 

 Catherine’s smile stiffened, her face turning red.

 This was absolutely humiliating.

 Heather felt no obligation to be polite and showed no warmth toward Charlie and Nancy.

 Catherine, in turn, assumed this was just the way the wealthy behaved–treating everyone equally, even if Charlie was a renowned painter.

 Catherine failed to notice the disdain in Heather’s eyes.

 Just then, Julian walked over with Willow. The striking couple instantly drew everyone’s attention.

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Altar 38